Mongolia - Gorkhi-Terelj National Park (4 days, 3 nights)

Tour
 Ulaanbaatar — Terelj — Ulaanbaatar

Day 

Program

In pleasurable anticipation of the events

Day 1

Meeting at the airport in Ulaanbaatar* with guide&driver

Transfer to the Ulaanbaatar Hotel, a comfortable, centrally located hotel within walking distance of various museums and shops

Lunch independent

In the afternoon, drive to Zaisan Memorial**

After a few hours to rest or stretch your legs, enjoy a welcome dinner at a large ger, like one once owned by Chinggis khan.

Overnight at Ulaanbaatar Hotel

* The contrast between ancient traditions and the dawning of a 21st century democracy is most visible in Ulaanbaatar where traditional gers and Buddhist monasteries coexist with modern high-rises.

** A monument built by the Russians to commemorate unknown soldiers from various wars. Situated on one of the hills surrounding Ulaanbaatar, the area provides excellent views of the capital and surrounding countryside.

Day 2

Breakfast in the hotel

Begin the day with a visit to Gandan Monastery, the seat of Buddhism in Mongolia.*

Lunch

Next, drive to nearby Gorkhi-Terelj National Park (one hour)**

Dinner and overnight in gers***

* Woven through Mongolia's nomadic culture is a rich Tibetan-Buddhist tradition with ancient Shamanist practices still evident. Although Buddhist monasteries were either destroyed or converted into museums during the Stalinist purges of the 1930s, Gandan Monastery continued to operate as a showpiece_ for government officials. However, in spite of the government's efforts to suppress Buddhism and other religious beliefs, Mongolia's spirituality persisted and a significant resurgence of Buddhism began in 1990 when Mongolia became a democracy. Monasteries across the country are again opening their doors to worshippers and the few lamas who survived the purges are training a new generation. Massive reconstruction and renovation projects are underway and priceless artifacts that were hidden for safekeeping are now being returned to monasteries by nomadic families. Experience these exciting developments first-hand at Gandan Monastery. Strolling through the monastery grounds, you will hear the low tones of the horns used to call the lamas to the temple and can observe their daily rituals, including the reading of sutras (teachings of the Buddha). Also visit the reconstruction and renovation projects of the Chenrezi and Kalachakra Temples, as well as the magnificent statue of Migjid Janraisig (_the lord who looks in every direction_). This 82-foot high statue, gilded in pure gold and clothed with silk and precious stones, completely fills one of Gandan's temples

** It includes the southern Khentii mountain range. This mountain forest steppe region offers beautiful landscapes including thrilling rock formations and is home to rich bird and plant-life. Also sheltered in this protected area are endangered musk deer and moose, brown bear, roe, elk, wolf, fox and badger. Explore this beautiful national park on horseback or by foot. 3Gers — he traditional felt tents of nomadic herders. Made of a latticed wood structure covered with layers of felt and canvas, each ger is heated by a wood stove and furnished with beautifully painted wood-framed beds. Based on double occupancy, gers provide an authentic and memorable taste of Mongolian culture and allow you to visit areas which otherwise lack traveler accommodations. Most visitors find their stays at ger camps to be among their most enjoyable experiences in Mongolia.

Day 3

Breakfast the the ger camp

Spend the morning exploring the park

After lunch, return to Ulaanbaatar and visit the National History Museum *

In the evening, enjoy a performance featuring traditional Mongolian dancers and hoomi (throat) singers followed by dinner at Seoul restaurant, serving Korean and Mongolian dishes.

Overnight at Ulaanbaatar hotel

* An excellent overview of Mongolia's history and culture. The newly remodeled museum displays traditional implements of daily nomadic life including Stone and Bronze Age artifacts, historical costumes of Mongolia's minority tribes, sacred religious relics, and agricultural, fishing and hunting equipment.